No Casualties Reported After Fire at Tembisa Hospital Emergency Unit
A devastating fire erupted on Saturday, April 20, 2025, in the Accident and Emergency Unit of Tembisa Hospital in Gauteng, disrupting services and prompting the urgent evacuation of patients and staff. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident, thanks to the quick action of hospital personnel, firefighters, and emergency services.
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Fire Breaks Out in Critical Wing At Tembisa Hospital
The blaze broke out in the late afternoon, engulfing a section of the hospital’s emergency unit. The Gauteng Department of Health confirmed that 81 patients were inside the unit when the fire began. Staff acted immediately to evacuate everyone to safer areas within the facility. Two patients moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), one was transferred to high care, and four were discharged.
Seventeen patients were relocated to other hospitals across Gauteng, including Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, Edenvale Hospital, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, and Tshwane District Hospital. The remaining 50 were transferred to other functional areas within Tembisa Hospital. Seven patients reportedly left the facility on foot after noticing the fire.
Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko praised the bravery and efficiency of the Ekurhuleni Emergency Management Team and firefighters, stating, “Thanks to the immediate and coordinated efforts of the response teams, patients were safely evacuated to other areas within the hospital and to alternative facilities when necessary.”
Tembisa Hospital Operations Continue Despite Damage
Contrary to rumors circulating on social media, Tembisa Hospital remains operational. While the Accident and Emergency Unit is temporarily closed, other hospital departments continue to function as normal. The hospital has implemented a business continuity plan and identified an alternative space within the facility to serve as a temporary emergency unit.
“We have identified a space where lights and oxygen points are already functioning. The team has started moving equipment and preparing to use it as an interim emergency care area,” said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko during a media briefing on Sunday.
The hospital is currently on divert for ambulances, but it continues to treat walk-in emergency cases. Medical teams remain on high alert to stabilize patients before redirecting them to other appropriate facilities if needed.
Investigations Into the Fire Underway
Multiple investigations are now underway to determine the cause of the fire. These include forensic assessments by police investigators, the Department of Employment and Labour, the City of Ekurhuleni Fire Department, and internal health department teams.
The MEC confirmed that Tembisa Hospital’s fire safety equipment had been compliant and well-maintained as of 2026. “The Department of Infrastructure Development verified that all maintenance records for the fire detection and suppression systems were up to date,” she said.
Families Encouraged to Visit Loved Ones
The hospital resumed family visits on Sunday afternoon, allowing concerned relatives to check on their loved ones. The Gauteng Department of Health also activated a hotline for patient inquiries: 011 923 2000 and 011 923 2165.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko expressed gratitude to hospital staff, security, nurses, and doctors for their swift response and commitment during the crisis. “All 14 nurses, six doctors, and six security officers on duty during the incident have been accounted for and were unharmed.”
Commitment to Transparency and Recovery
As recovery and investigation efforts continue, the department remains committed to keeping the public informed. “We understand the impact this disaster has had on staff, patients, and their families. We will restore the damaged unit, maintain transparency, and continue to deliver healthcare services without interruption,” Nkomo-Ralehoko assured.
